Last years the guys of Solitude Aeturnus once again challenge our patience. In 2006 we were extremely enchanted by their comeback album ’Alone’, but what happened since then except for some selected gigs? Okay, coming from Poland we had the DVD ‘Hour Of Despair’. New fans were encouraged to purchase the re-releases of ‘Through The Darkest Hour’ and ‘Downfall’. Furthermore? Not that much and disappointing is huge when I find out that ‘In Times Of Solitude’ happens to be not a new album, but a kind of compilation of old demo versions and rarities. Maybe it is because of Rob Lowe, being busy as front man of Candlemass as well, that activities in Texas are slowed down one more time.

With this release they bring the unavailable since long cassette / EP ‘Justice For All’ in circulation again. The material was re-mastered by guitarist John Perez and expanded with any recordings from the rehearsal room and live. The album begins with a demo version of ‘It Came Upon One Night’: authentic traditional doom metal with great, tense vocals and amazing guitar skills. The song can also be found on their second album ‘Beyond The Crimson Horizon’ (1992). ‘Transcending Sentinels’ starts with acoustic guitars and is also a strong track with fine vocals and guitar solos. It can also be found on their debut album ‘Into The Depths Of Sorrow’ (1991). It is followed by demo versions of ‘Into Battle’ and ‘Sojourner’. These two tracks were never used on a regular album, but – honestly – they are weaker. And it is not coincidence that ‘Where Angels Dare To Treat’ and ‘Mirror Of Sorrow’ (a magnificent song!) also were selected for that legendary debut album. From the above mentioned ‘Sojourner’ one can find a (weak) rehearsal room version on this issue as well and same goes for ‘Rememberance Of A Life’. During the live recordings of ‘And Justice For All’ in Joe’s Garage in 1988, the atmosphere was elated and party-like, but that’s all we can say. It is only interesting for those who attended the gig. Thus ‘In Times Of Solitude’ appears to be mainly interesting for die-hard Solitude Aeturnus fans that want to have everything of the band. They will also enjoy an extensive booklet with old rare photos and liner notes of the band. I hope that these guys will finally record some new material, so we can speak of a proper successor of ‘Alone’ pretty soon, one that will appeal to contemporary standards.